Jumping saddles allow the rider to adapt a seat and weight to the extension during a jump. Jumping Saddles were designed for fast show jumping or across country. The riders weight is just to the rear of the horses withers. The center of gravity is directly over the center of the gravity of the horse and the rider represents the least possible load to the horse and feels like a part of the horse. The rider thighs grip the saddle and provide a secure position which is not easily dislodged even by unexpected movements of the horse. Jumping saddles are now designed to have more forward seat to support the forward position of the rider required for jumping anfd flaps that are not nearly as long as those of the dressage saddle and with a forward slant. The flaps also are constructed with deep knee pads for a secure grip. From the onset of the development of jumping saddles there followed an huge increase in the performance of horses during cross country riding and when jumping.
